Manchester United team have kick-started their EPL campaign
since the start of the month with three straight victories extending
their unbeaten run to eight games. Last weekend the Red Devils beat West
Brom on the travels (0:2) courtesy of a brace scored by Zlatan
Ibrahimovic. United are now 6th in the Premier League standings 4 points
below Arsenal in 4th. In terms of direct matches, they have won 6 of
their last 7 home encounters against Sunderland in all competitions.Luke
Shaw is United’s only absentee as both Eric Bailly and Mkhitaryan are back in contention. Jose Mopurinho will be tempted to
name the starting XI that started against WBA, with Michael Carrick
stationed in front of the back four, leaving Ander Herrera and Paul
Pogba in central midfield. Up front, Wayne Rooney has started in each
their last two matches after a time on the bench and may keep his place
in the team on Boxing Day with Anthony Martial still out in the cold. As
usual, Zlatan will spearhead the attack.
Sunderland picked up a valuable 1-0 win over Watford at the weekend
but have been dire on the road this season. The Black Cats have lost 5
of their last 6 away matches and have also failed to score in 5 of these
6 games. David Moyes' men endured their worst ever start to a Premier
League campaign, and although the Black Cats have improved lately, they
now sit in 18th spot in the Premier League table, one point below the
safe zone.Adnan Januzaj is ineligible to face his parent club
while Steven Pienaar and BIlli Jones are also a question mark ahead of
this clash. David Moyes is likely to field a 4-5-1 formation with
Jermaine Defoe as lone striker and the likes of Fabio Borini and Victor
Anichebe as offensive wingers. Didier Ndong and Jason Denayer look set
to keep their places in central midfield. Jack Rodwell, Paddy McNair,
Jan Kirchhoff, Lee Cattermole, Duncan Watmore and Lynden Gooch are all
ruled out.